::Life Is Beautiful

Fall has officially arrived in Colorado! Saturday was the first snowfall of the season, and it was beautiful! I woke up to snow packed on the windows, the lawns were covered in blankets of white, and big snowflakes were flurrying around outside. It came down all day.

My mom, dad and sister spent the day with us. We were cooking, laughing, playing with my boys, and watching sports all day long. We made chocolate raspberry cookies, homemade potato soup, french bread and a delicious citrus salad with raspberry vinaigrette. There was nothing in particular that was planned for the day, but it was perfect the way it was with all of us enjoying each others company. Days like that make me wish that all of my family members lived in the same area so we could all be together. I was specifically missing my sister "J" and her husband on this day. Things had always been rough between us, but over the past year or so, we have started down the path of healing together and because of this newly discovered chapter in our lives, I wish she lived closer to my family and I. So, "J", if you're reading this, wanna sell your house and move to Colorado?!" We can hang out all the time!!! :)

Sunday was much the same as Saturday, except it was football day. During NFL season, Sundays are dedicated to fantasy leagues, good food and friends. They are our family's lazy day, and we love it! I made Thai Pineapple Curry Chicken with jasmine rice and a homemade apple pie... YUM! These two dishes were my first try at them, and while they weren't perfect, they were delicious! Because I spend the majority of my days by myself or with just my mom and my boys, I especially enjoy the weekends when my home is full of people, love and laughter (and delicious smelling foods!)

How do you enjoy spending your weekends during the fall or winter seasons?

:: Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Rounds

I made this heavenly goodness today from a recipe that a good friend of mine sent me. These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal cookies can be modified to your liking with the "toppings". The recipe calls for chocolate chips and walnuts, but you can substitute with peanut butter morsels and peanuts, or whatever else you think may sound good. 

Here's the recipe...

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup Butter, room temperature
• 2/3 cup Peanut Butter (I used Natural)
• 1 cup Sugar
• 1/2 cup packed Brown Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 2 Eggs
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1 + 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups Rolled Oats
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips*
• 2/3 cup chopped walnuts*

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Beat together butter and peanut butter until well combined. Add sugars, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon. Beat until combined.

3. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Beat in flour. Stir in oats, cranberries and nuts.

4. Drop by rounded teaspoons onto un-greased baking sheet. Bake 10 minutes or until light brown around edges.

5. Remove to wire racks to cool.

*Can substitute cocktail peanuts, chocolate chips, peanut butter morsels, raisins, M&M's or another type of nut.